Legal battles,defamation and gangs

Work with ASOCIANA has been interesting, with mental effort being put into advising lawyers involved in legal actions that continue to put the brakes on deforestation. Our work, particularly that which has led to putting brakes on cutting down forests, has caused a backlash from those with a vested interested in deforestation, which most probably includes folk in government. Recently Andrew’s name was included on a list of people from the Church and ASOCIANA accused by some Indians, who want to make some short-sighted financial gain out of chopping down trees, for “…attacking and threatening their organizations”. The Indians are quoted by a newspaper as saying that we (the accused) have said that: “…they are ignorant and drunk aborigines, responsible for destroying the environment, and that they (i.e us), the whites, seek to preserve it”. Spanish readers can read the article by clicking here

As part of his consultancy work, Andrew had a successful two weeks in El Salvador, working with Compassion International. His visit coincided with Hurricane Ida. Heavy rainfall caused a lot of destruction in certain parts of the country, and there were over 180 fatalities. However, the areas he was visiting were not affected. The only other incident was a medical emergency for one of the passengers on the flight back to Buenos Aires, which lead to a diversion to Cali, Colombia.

Andrew during an interview session with Church 
leaders in El Salvador (source: Joel VanderHart)

Most of urban El Salvador is affected by a violent struggle between two international gangs, Mara Salvatrucha and M18. They exert a lot of influence on young people and offer an apparent sense of purpose and “family belonging” to so many who are lost. In order to enter, young people are subjected to a ritual beating, and once in membership requires 100% loyalty. There are only three ways out: death, marriage or conversion to Christ – and if you get married then leave your spouse, the gang will seek you out and kill you. The average number of years a person remains alive after joining a gang is around 7. It was very encouraging, therefore, to see how Compassion projects enable children (including some whose parents are gang members) find a different and more constructive route to growing up.

Whilst in El Salvador Andrew was shown a documentary on the gangs. The film La Vida Loca (The Crazy Life) was made by Christian Poveda, who was killed by gang members in September. The documentary shows the violent and often shocking reality of life for many Salvadoreans. Though difficult to watch, it is perhaps one of the few opportunities outsiders have to catch a glimpse on what is a living hell for thousands of people across countries in Central America. It is the reality that thousands of children are growing up in, and one which Compassion's Church partners work with on a daily basis. A short trailer can be viewed on YouTube but be warned - it contains scenes of violence, nudity and extremely vulgar language. It is not for children.